Origin Story: Chapter 2 | Baby Steps Over Christmas

We have created a few minor updates over Christmas, after comments from early users, so the website here at WritingClubWorld.com which is even more user-friendly now. Theresa is holding the No 1 slot at the moment and I’d love some new people to upload stories, review others and knock me off No 2 and No 3. I’ve sent a little email to registered users reminding them to do that, as I know it’s a busy time of year.

The site is giving me more of what I need in terms of marketing it more successfully too. I need to know which Facebook Ads are working in terms of converting to registered users, also where other registered users are coming from, in terms of organic traffic (search engines). I get this info from Google Analytics, a great free tool. Then I can do more of what works and less of what doesn’t; especially when it’s paid marketing, this is essential.

The thing I most love about software orientated websites is that you can get the first version up, Version 1.0 if you like, then iterate towards a better and better version, Versions 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 etc, based on the comments of your users/members. I’m saving up all comments as a “wish-list” for my developer and adding my own thoughts to it, both as the owner and as an author myself.

Even after 23+ years online, I still find it magical that you can launch a website and within a day or so, people from all over the world will find it, visit it and give you instant feedback as to whether they are a) interested in your idea, b) willing to take the actions you want them to and c) willing to engage enough to give you feedback on what you are trying to achieve.

Of course, there is a world of difference between creating a free website and one that covers it’s cost and pays for itself. I want to be able to create enough income to

1. Cover the hosting and further development costs

2. Pay for professional editors for the No 1 Story each month OR for a professional agent to review it

3. Pay for other prizes that users of the site suggest would be cool, perhaps for some of the big name courses or tickets to Writers events/retreats etc.

To that end, I’ve decided against Google Ads for now, but I have added a Patreon button so people who love the idea can voluntarily support the site from just $1 a month. There will be a second tier of support as soon as I have time to think about what I could offer that would be of value to aspiring writers.

I’ll also be adding a “Recommended Resources” page which will be filled with carefully chosen items that a) offer great value to writers and b) either offer an Affiliate programme which means the site earns a bit of commission while the writers pay no extra OR are willing to pay for advertising.

However, for any of those options to work, I need more eyeballs on the site and more registered users.

So that’s what I’m going to focus on over the next few weeks; adding new content (helps the search engines) and sharing across my own personal social media profiles. Then I’ll talk to the WriteClubThePodcast.com ladies about how we can work together and perhaps promote the site through that show too.